The Bessa dive watch is a vintage timepiece from the 1960s and 1970s, notable for its durability and association with military and recreational diving. These watches were produced during a period when many manufacturers offered robust, affordable dive watches with reliable stock Swiss movements.
Key Features and Variants
Bessa dive watches are characterized by their sturdy stainless steel cases, typically measuring around 38–39 mm in diameter. Original Factory water resistance was rated up to 200 meters (20 ATM). They often feature bidirectional rotating bezels for tracking dive times and durable mechanical movements. Movements used in Bessa watches include Swiss calibers such as the AS 1902/03, AS 2083 and AS 1882/83, as well as German PUW 1564 movements.
Design elements vary among models, with some featuring arrow-shaped hour hands and lollipop seconds hands, while others display unique dial markings or military insignia. While not as widely recognized as some other vintage dive watch brands, Bessa watches offer a unique glimpse into the era’s watchmaking.
Servicing the Bessa Dive Watch
This Bessa Dive Watch received a full disassembly service. The movement was then carefully reassembled and lubricated with synthetic oils. Following the service, it ran strong and kept excellent time. The case was cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner and scratches in the acrylic crystal were polished out.
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